Monterey Bay is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, and the reason is geography: a deep submarine canyon comes close to shore, so the giants feed within a short boat ride of the harbor. You can see whales here nearly year round if you know the seasons.
Spring and summer bring humpbacks and blue whales feeding on the bay’s rich waters, with humpbacks often breaching close to the boats. Winter brings the gray whale migration, thousands of them passing on their way to and from Baja. Dolphins, sea lions, and orcas turn up throughout, and the naturalists on board know where to look.
Boats leave from Fisherman’s Wharf and the harbor daily, and the morning trips usually mean calmer water. Bring a warm layer even in summer, because it is cold and windy on the water, and take something for seasickness if you are prone to it, since the bay gets choppy past the breakwater.
Book ahead in peak season, and pick a smaller boat if you want a closer, quieter experience. See what else is on around the bay on our events calendar, and our 17-Mile Drive guide covers the coast from land. For sightings and trips, Monterey Bay Whale Watch is a good starting point.
